Overview
- Alpine launched its A526 in Barcelona and begins life as a Mercedes power unit customer under the new 2026 rules.
- Franco Colapinto enters his first full Formula 1 campaign after his first full off-season to integrate with the team and prepare physically.
- Flavio Briatore says Colapinto looks more mature this year and will be judged differently after last season’s struggles.
- Qualifying was identified as the main weakness in 2025, when Colapinto was outqualified 13–5 by Pierre Gasly despite comparable race pace, prompting extensive winter simulator work.
- Alpine paused 2025 development to focus on 2026, finishing last as Gasly scored all the team’s points; pre-season testing starts in Barcelona on Monday before the March 8 Melbourne opener.